If it’s true there are things that do not change (Earth rotates around the Sun for instance), innovation is much needed to keep competition behind. Whatever job you do, whatever topic you study, innovation is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Take the example of cars. Since the first car has been produced, cars have constantly been improved by innovation. Whether in safety, durability, fuel consumption or just comfort. A modern entry level car is far more comfortable than an expensive car from twenty or thirty years ago. Car manufacturers are constantly innovating.

Sometimes, we do not realize how much intelligence goes into innovation. Sometimes a tiny invention by a genius improves greatly a technology or the wellbeing of mankind. Take the electric incandescence bulb for instance who ruled lighting for years. But in general, innovation requires a team of talented PhD and some serious budget. But the fact is here, companies or organizations who make quantum leaps and grow, are those who innovate and use innovation has the engine for growth.

Look at your business, company or organization. Aren’t there things you have been doing for years that would need to be freshen up? Are all your products or services been created years ago and not been renewed? Are you seeing other organizations, departments or competitors growing faster or get bigger budgets? Lots of organizations feel they do not need to innovate because they have been established long ago, have some unique competitive advantage or some kind of monopoly. The fact is competition never happens when you expect it. And if you are not prepared to innovate, you get ready to die.

Toastmasters, as a non-profit organization, is constantly innovating. Sure, learning by doing and positive evaluation have not change and will probably not change, because there are at the core of our learning concept. But the fact that we are changing the executive committee every year brings fresh ideas and new concepts to club meetings and management. At the highest level, the organization president always dedicate part of his or her energy to one specific innovation. This is, I feel, one of the reasons of Toastmasters longevity. Do not think that because it’s a NGO it does need to innovate. Actually, it’s even more important than for a for-profit organization, because we do not have products to sell but members to recruit and delight.

Finally, innovation is exhilarating. Because it brings novelty, it attracts the best talents. Who wants to work for a laggard? In today’s world, innovation is the most important factor of progress and key competitive differentiator. It’s never too late to start innovating. But if you wait too long, it may cost more!